Novely, the New Cocaine?

Us novelty-seekers may be more risqué than we think. Studies by the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) found that the stimulation of a new experience or mini-adventure stimulates the brain’s reward system the same way that drugs of abuse do; read: amphetamines & the mesolimbic dopamine pathways.

“Finding that novelty may stimulate the same anatomically distinct brain reward component that drugs do is exciting because it suggests that novelty could substitute for and reduce drug use behavior among sensation-seeking humans,” says Dr. Bardo.

While it may not be a one-size-fits-all answer, satiating your curiosity is one means to a rush, au natural.

Keep on seeking on, novelty lovers!

Read more about the study here.